Osteomalacia

Diseases and Conditions

Vitamin D deficiency - osteomalacia; Calcium - osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is softening of the bones. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Your body needs calcium to maintain the strength and hardness of your bones.

Exams and Tests

Bone x-rays and a bone density test can help detect pseudofractures, bone loss, and bone softening. More importantly, osteomalacia can look like weakening of the bones from osteoporosis on bone density testing.

In some cases, a bone biopsy will be done to see if bone softening is present.

Treatment

Treatment may involve vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus supplements taken by mouth. People who cannot absorb nutrients well through the intestines may need larger doses of vitamin D and calcium. This includes people who have some types of weight loss surgery.

People with certain conditions may need regular blood tests to monitor blood levels of phosphorus and calcium.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Some people with vitamin deficiency disorders will get better within a few weeks. With treatment, healing should happen within 6 months.

Possible Complications

Symptoms can return.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomalacia, or if you think that you may be at risk for this disorder.

Prevention

Eating a diet rich in vitamin D and getting plenty of sunlight and calcium can help prevent osteomalacia due to a vitamin D deficiency.